Palikū Prosthetics & Orthotics was founded by Todd Nakano, CP with a clear and purposeful vision: to provide personalized, high-quality care that helps people move better, live healthier lives, and stay connected to the activities and communities that matter most. At its heart, Palikū is committed to caring for the mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true mobility and healing extend far beyond the physical.

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        Todd was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu and attended Saint Louis School, where he learned the value of discipline, service, and giving back to the community. Growing up in Hawaiʻi taught him the importance of ʻohana, respect, and helping others—values that continue to guide his work today.

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       While in college, Todd realized the need for Orthotic and Prosthetic care in Hawaiʻi, inspiring him to pursue the profession with the intention of returning home to care for the community that had shaped and given him so much.

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He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Oregon University in 2012 and went on to complete his Master of Science in Orthotics & Prosthetics at Loma Linda University in 2014, an institution known for its whole-person approach to healthcare. During his training, Todd discovered that the field uniquely combines medical science, hands-on problem solving, and long-term relationships with patients. Helping people regain mobility became the work he knew he was called to do.

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      Todd completed his ABC-accredited Prosthetic and Orthotic residency at Summit Orthotics & Prosthetics in Salem, Oregon, where he developed a strong clinical foundation in prosthetic and orthotic care. Throughout his career, Todd has focused primarily on lower-extremity prosthetics, gaining invaluable hands-on experience managing a wide range of challenging and complex prosthetic cases.

As a lower-extremity prosthetic specialist, Todd has worked extensively with patients requiring individualized solutions for difficult residual limb presentations, complex socket designs, advanced prosthetic componentry, and unique functional demands. He later joined Spectrum Orthotics & Prosthetics in Medford, Oregon, where he served in both clinical and management roles. In addition, Todd served as Clinical Lead at Spectrum Orthotics & Prosthetics, overseeing the resident training and education program, while continuing to expand his experience in complex lower-extremity prosthetic care.

       These experiences shaped Todd’s approach to patient care and reinforced his belief that successful prosthetic outcomes depend not only on technology and technical expertise, but also on continuity of care, accessibility, creativity, and trust between the patient and practitioner.

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        After a short period practicing on Oʻahu, Todd recognized a significant gap in local services: Maui had no full-time Orthotics & Prosthetics clinic to serve its growing community. Seeing the impact that accessible, consistent care could have on mobility and overall health, he decided to move to Maui and establish the island’s first full-time O&P office.

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        As part of Palikū’s commitment to accessibility, the practice also offers services on Lana’i and Moloka’i and in office or mobile prosthetic appointments on Oʻahu. This model extends services to patients who have difficulty traveling due to mobility challenges or traffic. These mobile visits allow patients to receive care that is personal, convenient, and without sacrificing quality, bringing high-level prosthetic services directly to their homes or community settings.

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     The name “Palikū” literally means vertical cliff in Hawaiian, a nod to the island’s breathtaking mountains and towering natural beauty. Just as these cliffs rise proudly and stand strong, Palikū Prosthetics & Orthotics is dedicated to helping patients stand tall, regain strength, and embrace life with confidence.

“Palikū” also represents strength, support, and a solid foundation. Every device, fitting, and treatment plan is approached with intention, focusing not just on function, but on restoring independence, confidence, and quality of life. Care at Palikū is never rushed, and each patient is treated as a whole person, with respect for their goals, lifestyle, and journey.

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        Palikū Prosthetics & Orthotics proudly serves both Maui County and Oʻahu, providing compassionate, expert care with a deep commitment to the mind, body, and spirit—because when people move better, they live better.